NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 4 – Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are set to benefit from a nine-week training programme launched under a partnership between I&M Bank and B Lab Africa.
The Resilient Sustainable Business (RSB) programme, which begins in March 2026, is designed to help SMEs build stronger and more sustainable businesses.
It will provide practical tools and expert guidance on how to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices into everyday operations.
The programme targets established businesses with annual revenues of between Sh6 million and Sh120 million and staff numbers ranging from 10 to 100 employees.
These are firms that have moved beyond the start-up stage and are now expanding operations and strengthening internal systems.
Participants will take part in a blended learning model that combines online and in-person sessions.
The training will cover key areas such as impact measurement, sustainable supply chains and financing sustainable practices.
SMEs will also receive bi-monthly one-on-one coaching and gain access to peer networking opportunities with business leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius and Nigeria.
I&M Bank Director of Retail and Business Banking, Shameer Patel, said the initiative will help SMEs adapt to changing market demands.
“The programme will strengthen operational resilience while unlocking new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.
On her part, B Lab Africa CEO Lucy Muigai said integrating ESG principles into business operations is key to building long-term value.
“These entrepreneurs are the blueprint for a future where corporate success is linked to the wellbeing of our communities and the planet,” she said.
The programme focuses on sectors such as manufacturing, agri-tech, circular economy, green energy and sustainable consumer brands.
I&M Bank will sponsor 80 percent of the programme cost per participant (USD 240), while each SME will pay the remaining 20 percent (USD 60), making the training more accessible to growing businesses.
